Tonic Rocks & Reconnects At Blarney Island

The Grammy-nominated rock band, Tonic, reconnected for the first time in five years. On Saturday night, this Los Angeles-based band played a (very wet) show for the “Blarney Island All Access Pass Presented by Bud Light” concert in north suburban Antioch, hosted by my radio station, 102.3 XLC.

Even though Tonic have not played together for a while, all band members have been busy with other projects.

Lead vocalist and guitarist, Emerson Hart released his solo album last year in July titled ‘Cigarettes & Gasoline’. Guitarist and background vocalist , Jeff Russo has been on tour with Matchbox Twenty playing guitars, keyboards and backgroud vocals. Russo has another band he plays in called Low Stars. Bassist, Dan Lavery has been out on tour with The Fray. Tonic’s special guest drummer was Pete Maloney who is the drummer for Dishwalla.

I’ve always been a fan of Tonic, but have never seen them live. I began liking their music when I was in junior high when “Open Up Your Eyes” and “If You Could Only See” were released on the radio airwaves. I also continued following their music when their hit single “You Wanted More” was released, when I was in high school (and so on and so forth).

Last Saturday was special because I had one of those “life is sweet” moments. Little did I know that when I was singing to their tunes over a decade ago, I’d be hanging out with them and letting them know how their music has influenced my life.